Immigrant Detainee Mom Hospitalized While on Hunger Strike

Six people whose family members are being held in immigrant detention began a hunger strike more than a week ago, in solidarity with their loved ones also on hunger strike inside the notorious Eloy Detention Center in Arizona. The strikers inside of detention say they’ve been placedin solitary confinement. But those on the outside are suffering as well.

Anselma López, whose son Elder Gómez López has been in detention for more than two years, has been on hunger strike since Monday, February 17. One week later, on February 24, she was taken to the emergency room after complaining about heart palpitations. She remains hospitalized today.

The hunger strikers, who are affiliated with the Puente Movement, plan on ending their strike on March 3. They’re demanding a change to the way detention and deportation continue to tear families apart under Obama’s administration.